Jargon File

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The Jargon File

Term

Explanation

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distro, distribution

A collection of software making up a compete operating system with desktop and applications. In car terms, this would be everything except the engine

Application to browse repos, add, or remove software. Distros often have their own package managers. This is the preferred way to install, or remove software safely. Software installed this way will automatically be kept up to date with the latest safety upgrades and bug fixes.

The administrator of your machine. Even if you administer your own machine, it is still preferable to only log in as root when you absolutely must. Usually, if you want to do something that needs you to be root, a popup will simply ask for root's password, so you won't need to switch user.

Shell command to switch user, usually to root. Used, when you need special rights to do something. You will be prompted for the root password before su takes effect. NB: remember to type exit when you are done. This gets you back to your regular user.

sudo

Like su, but it only grants root privileges for one command, so the command you want to run should immediately follow sudo. Unike su, you will be requested to provide your own password (not the one of root user) and you will not need to exit.

path

Full specification of a file giving its placing in the file system. For example /home/myUser/Documents/Greetings.txt (an absolute path), or Document/Greeting.txt (path relative to my home directory).

bug

anything that may be wrong with an application or the underlying framework.

A user account. Most Linux system are set up with at least one ordinary user (you) and an administrator = root.

session

When you log in to your system, an application or some server you start a session, which lasts until you log out of it again.

logon

The act of starting a new session on a system. This usually requires a username and a password. Several users might be logged on to a system simultaneously, although only one would be active at a time.

logout

The act of ending a session on a system. The system will then wait for another logon rather that just shutting down.

desktop

The workspace you see, when you log in. It typically has a panel with a start menu and other widgets. The workspace itself can also hold various widgets.

Technology that allows applications to offer users the option to easily download and install plugins, artwork, scripts or similar additions using a unified interface. Upload for data sharing, however, is done less easily.